The countdown continues… two Council meetings remaining in this term. Hence, we will have some rather packed agendas for these last two meetings.

Of particular note are 5 pieces of legislation that deal with growth, development, and housing. First up, of greatest concern (and potential impact) to me, is O-14-25. This would double the allowed density in certain Planned Developments along our major corridors. I have an amendment to scale this back and only allow growth if we have a solid plan in place for addressing the associated safety and traffic impacts. More on this legislation below. We also have O-17-25 that would implement a 10% cap on short term rentals per blockface, which is a much needed step. And also O-15-25 (Accessory Dwelling Unit code tweak), O-18-25 (allowing duplexes in R-2 districts as they once were in the past), and O-29-25 (Tyler Ave overlay).

2025 election updates

General election reminder

Even though I was not on the Primary Ballot since it was an uncontested race, I will be on the November ballot and ask for your vote and continued support as I look to serve you for another 4 years. Please considering donating as I hope to send out some additional mailers to voters to better engage everyone.

Need help door-knocking

If you would be interested in joining me in door-knocking, we will be having groups go out every weekend this month. So please get in touch! It’s a great way to meet your neighbors.

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-19-25 - Regulation of Tours in Historic Annapolis – postponed (I voted aye)
• O-24-25 - Election Report Deadlines. - postponed (I voted aye)
• O-32-25 - Lease of City Property - 2031-2036 Fall Boat Shows – approved (I voted Aye)
• O-36-25 - Lease of City Property - 2031-2036 Spring Boat Shows - approved (I voted Aye)
• R-35-25 - 181 Prince George Street Sidewalk Easement – postponed and referred to Environmental Matters Committee (I voted aye)
• R-36-25 - Fees for Clearing Snow and Ice from City Sidewalks – approved (I voted Aye)
• R-38-25 - Re-assigning Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026 Community Grants – approved (I voted Aye)
• R-39-25 - Itinerant Merchant Sales in the Historic District for a Flea Market – approved (I voted Aye as amended)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

Only 3 meetings remaining in this term. On Monday we will have five pieces of legislation up for a public hearing. Of particular note to some of you may be O-15-25, updating our Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) requirements.

2025 election updates

Primary Election results

Final results from the Primary Election are in! Due to an issue with an election judge misreporting the numbers on election night, the City just concluded auditing all of the ballots, and I’m happy to report that the totals from the audit reflect the same totals from election night, speaking to the accuracy of our election methods. You may have also read about the issues with the mailed ballots, but based on what I’ve been told that issue stemmed from an issue with the US Postal Service not properly handling election ballots and holding onto them in the Baltimore sorting facility. I have not heard of any other issues coming out of that, so it would seem that all ballots have been received and counted at this point. We will certainly give this close consideration when we get our post-election briefing from our Election Board. But to be frank, this does have me wondering about perhaps administering our own elections again instead of contracting with Anne Arundel County. After these snafus, I’d like to ensure we maintain complete control over our elections, and in my mind having direct control over our democracy is worth any potential costs resulting from such self-administration. This is what we used to do until former Mayor Pantelides partnered with the County on our elections.

Congratulations to Mayoral candidate Jared Littmann

I would like to congratulate Mayoral candidate Jared Littmann on his victory in the Democratic primary. He will next be facing Republican Bob O’Shea in the general election on November 4^th 2025.

General election reminder

Even though I was not on the Primary Ballot since it was an uncontested race, I will be on the November ballot and ask for your vote and continued support as I look to serve you for another 4 years.

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-31-25 - Issuance of General Obligation Bonds and Bond Anticipation Notes – APPROVED (I voted “Aye”)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

We are in the final stretch of the Council, with only 4 meetings remaining. Hence, as you’ll see below, there are quite a few of pieces of legislation being introduced.

Ranked Choice voting hearing

We will be having a public hearing on O-35-25, which would change Annapolis elections to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in 2029. If you support this transition, I encourage you to come out and testify.

RCV is an election method where voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than choosing just one. It is utilized in Takoma Park, NYC, Maine, and Alaska. If no candidate wins a majority of first‑choice votes, the lowest‑ranked candidates are eliminated in rounds, and votes are redistributed based on the next preference until one candidate has a majority. I am co-sponsoring this with Alderman Huntley as I’ve long-supported shifting to this type of voting. I believe this voting method will help build unity at a time when this country is incredibly divided, for two main reasons: 1. It ensures that whomever wins, wins with a majority of the vote instead of simply a plurality, and 2. It helps prevent vicious fighting between candidates since they will want their opponent’s supporters to at least vote for them as #2. Furthermore, it helps to remove the ”spoiler” effect because if a candidate receives the least amount of votes, they will lose that round and those who voted for that person as #1 will have their #2 jump up to #1. Here is a good video explaining RCV.

2025 election updates

Door-knocking tomorrow with Mayoral candidate Jared Littman

As you may have seen in my email yesterday, Mayoral candidate Jared Littman and I are door-knocking tomorrow morning in Ward 7, starting at 10AM. If you would like to join us, please RSVP here.

Endorsement

As you could tell from the door-knocking, I fully support Jared Littman for Mayor. I have worked with him during his tenure as an Alderman, prior to my own election, and can attest to his strong integrity and dedication to environmental protection. Throughout my experience in politics, I have encountered many public officials, and he stands out as someone genuinely motivated by public service. I encourage you to consider supporting him in the upcoming Mayoral Primary.

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Thank you for a successful fundraiser at Port Annapolis.

For those who were able to join us, thank you for turning out. We enjoyed the port wine and had some lovely conversations. The money raised will help to go towards some mailers that I will be sending out between the primary and general elections.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-9-25 - Expanding Waterfront Uses in R4 General Residence (Zoning) Districts D – APPROVED (I voted “Aye”)
• O-19-25 - Regulation of Tours in Historic Annapolis – POSTPONED (I voted “Aye” on postponement)
• R-30-25 - Five-Year Consolidated Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan – PASSED (I voted “Aye”)
• O-20-25 - Sale of City-Owned Property at 932 Spa Road and 935 Spa Road – APPROVED as amended by Environmental Matters Committee (I voted “Aye”)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

We are coming up on our 5^th Council meeting remaining of this term. For Monday, note that we have a public hearing on O-14-25, which would increase density throughout our City’s major corridors, a Ranked Choice Vote (RCV) proposal coming from Alderman Huntley and I, and a final vote on a proposed property transfer to secure remediation money to clean up the contaminated Spa Rd properties. In addition, in the last section I have some updates on the ASPCA barking issue, Edgewood Rd crosswalk lighting complaint, and vegetative complaint on Bembe Beach Rd.

Re-election campaign update

Fundraiser Friday – Dessert & Port at Port Annapolis

I’m holding a Dessert & Port Tasting fundraiser this Friday, Aug 1, 7–9PM at Port Annapolis at the lounge above their pool. $75 for a ticket, only 30 spots, so act now! Join me for sweets, sips, and civic fun 🍷🍫 RSVP here. 

Donation link correction

I apologize to all those who have had difficulty sending donations through my website. I believe we have the issue resolved now, so please donate at www.RobSavidge.com/donate

Savidge Yard signs

If you would like a Savidge campaign yard sign in your yard, please let me know and I’ll get one to you soon.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-6-25 - Clearing Snow and Ice from City Sidewalks - Approved (I voted Aye)
• O-8-25 - Chesapeake Children’s Museum Lease Renewal Through June 30, 2030 - Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-27-25 - Renaming of the Noah Hillman Parking Garage - Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-30-25 - Five-Year Consolidated Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan – Postponed (I voted to postpone)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

Our Monday meeting contains six pieces of legislation up for a public hearing, including one that would limit the number of short-term rentals per block. I have two amendments, possibly more, that would define blockface to include communities (like mine) that do not have traditional blocks, and exempt owner-occupied STRs from this limitation since simply renting out rooms doesn’t have as much of a negative impact on communities as entire homes being rented (as opposed to having long-term residents via ownership or long-term rentals).

Re-election campaign update

Save the date! I plan to send an email early next week with details about a fundraiser event tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 25th at 7:00 p.m. Your support would be greatly appreciated! 

Donations. As I prepare to organize some important mailers to reach more voters, your generous financial support would be invaluable in helping us run a strong and effective campaign. Sending checks is best (no fees!), made out to Friends of Rob Savidge, mailed to 12 Windwhisper Ln, but you can also donate at www.RobSavidge.com/Donate

Volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering, there are so many meaningful ways to get involved! Whether it’s helping distribute campaign signs, hosting a meet-and-greet to introduce neighbors, or joining our door-to-door outreach team to engage directly with community members, your enthusiasm can make a tremendous impact. I deeply appreciate every offer of support, and together, I know we can achieve great things. Thank you so much for considering being part of this journey!

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• R-17-25 - 2025 Transit Development Plan for the City of Annapolis – Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-22-25 - City Supported Special Events in Fiscal Year 2026 – Approved (I voted Aye)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

It's time again to get out there and knock on some doors! Join us this Saturday

There isn’t too much to report on for our upcoming Council meeting. Nothing is up for a public hearing and we only have two pieces of legislation up for a Second Reader (final vote). That said there are two things I’d like to highlight:

1. We will be holding a preliminary hearing on a petition of Annexation for the Carrs Road community. This is an area between Chesapeake Harbour and Edgewood Green, off Edgewood Rd. It was left out of the annexation decades ago, and now they have failing septic tanks and would like to annex. I believe there are around 15 or so current homes. The purpose of this preliminary hearing is to determine if there is any additional supplemental information or studies that the Council may deem needed to officially move the annexation petition to the next step, which would be a public hearing and then an introduction of the associated Resolutions and Ordinances. Based on my conversations with staff, they will likely make a recommendation that some additional information be gathered. What I will likely do is make a motion to request this additional information be given to us, by the petitioners, by June 2026. That means that when the petitioners get this information to the Council, likely the new Council, we will hold a second preliminary hearing that will hopefully conclude and move to the next steps.
2. We may add legislation on First Reader (i.e. introduction) to the agenda. Given that we are at the end of a Council term, we have limited time left with our “sine die” on our second meeting in October. Many, including staff, are trying to get legislation through last minute. In order for the timing to work, when factoring in the August recess all City bodies realize, we need to get legislation to the Planning Commission as soon as possible in order to give them enough time to get their recommendations back to us. Hence, we may move to add the following legislation to the agenda, though it will require a suspension of the rules since the staff reports are not all ready. Because of this, I am not prepared to comment on this legislation, but here is the list nonetheless.
   1. O-15-25 - Removing Accessory Dwelling Unit Owner-Residency Requirement (Schandelmeier) - Planning Commission, then Rules & Government Committee
   2. O-18-25 - Reallowing Duplexes in R2 Zoning Districts (Huntley) - Planning Commission then Rules & Government Committee
   3. O-27-25 - Cutting of Trees in Critical Areas and Tree Replacement (Savidge) - Planning Commission then Rules & Government AND Environmental Matters
   4. O-29-25 - Tyler Avenue Complete Community Overlay District (Gay) - Planning Commission, then Rules & Government AND Housing & Human Welfare
   5. O-30-25 - Business Revitalization Zoning District Regulations (O'Neill) - Planning Commission, then Rules & Government Committe

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• R-20-25 - FY 2026 Annual Fees Schedule – approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• R-21-25 - FY 2026 Fines Schedule - approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• O-10-25 - Annual Budget and Appropriation and Property Tax Levy. approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• O-33-24 - Appeals Process for Property Development in Annapolis - approved with amendments (I voted Aye)
• O-11-25 - Arts in Public Places Commission Update and Revisions – Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-12-25 - Street-end Park on Annapolis Street - Approved (I voted Aye)
• R-17-25 - 2025 Transit Development Plan for the City of Annapolis – Postponed until 6/16 meeting (I made the motion and voted Aye)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

We held an all-day budget meeting this past Monday. At this time we went over all of our Council-amendments to the budget as introduced by the Mayor. you can view the overall list here, though it does not indicate what passed. What I will do is offer you a summary of my amendments. Out of the previous list I've sent you, here are the ones that I moved forward with and successfully got passed:

1. Council implementation position - Created a new Council implementation specialist position that will be located in the City Manager's office and focus on ensuring our legislation is properly implemented by staff, and keep track of code-mandated reporting to the Council. ~$100,000
2. West Street sustainable high value transit study - $100k to partner with the County (and hopefully State) on a feasibility study for installing sustainable and clean high value transit along the West Street corridor, from City Dock to Annapolis Mall, building off of a 2009 study that laid the ground work for our very successful downtown circulator. The goal of this is to determine if we can move in the direction of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) on that corridor, to help us in restorative redevelopment of key areas, increase our housing options, while at the same time addressing the traffic and safety issues along that corridor, spearheading economic development, and enabling pedestrianization of key streets downtown.
3. Bembe Beach sidewalk improvements - I amended the traffic safety CIP to include utilizing that money to install a sidewalk on Bembe Beach Road and to install short-term traffic calming measures on Edgewood Road.
4. Complete streets on Main St - I amended the CIP for the Main Street rebricking to ensure it looks at improving/installing bike lanes and additional street trees.
5. Eastport-Ward 7 circulator - $40k to look at installing a circulator (similar to and connected to the downtown circulator) that would run from Eastport to Ward 7, allowing people to get around this part of our town without a car.
6. Complete Streets CIP - Modified our CIP to allocate funds to supplement other road related CIP projects to ensure they adopt a Complete Streets approach. $525k bond funding
7. Green roof evaluations - Adjusted the facilities CIP to ensure that whenever roof work is being assessed that they also look at installing solar panels and/or a green roof.
8. Wells Cove - Adjusted the Wells Cove CIP to help ensure we maintain and improve this vital public access point for Eastport.
9. Bay Ridge ave bikeway expansion - This CIP text amendment officially implemented an expansion of this bikeway project for Bay Ridge Ave, to include looking at the feasibility of utilizing the old railroad grade from Bay Ridge Ave to Tyler Ave.
10. Carrs Rd annexation support - This $100k will primarily support those of less means to remove their failing septics and connect to our sewer system, assuming the property gets annexed to the City, which is in the work.
11. Stanton Center rehabilitation - Clarified the Stanton Center CIP to ensure that Phase 1 will be focused on resolving the known rehabilitation needs for Stanton Center, such as a new roof and bathrooms, before committing to any upgrade of their gym floor into an LED-floor system.
12. Forest Drive high value transit and TOD study - My colleagues are currently proposing to add density along this corridor. Unfortunately, they are about to commit to such an increase without addressing the long-standing traffic and safety issues we have on Forest Drive. My thinking in securing this $100k, is to do something similar to the West Street effort: develop a plan to add high value transit, transit centers, etc. that will serve to reduce the traffic volume on that road, therefore making its safer. I hope to partner with the County and State on this effort as well

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• O-1-25 – Expansion of Child Care Options in Annapolis – Passed (I voted Aye)
• R-24-25 - Confirmation of Human Resources and Integrated Technology Solutions Directors – Passed (I voted Aye)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

Due to Memorial Day, our Council meeting has been moved to Tuesday evening. Before this meeting, we will hold a work session to discuss a proposed $1.5 light-up LED basketball court and $2 million e-sports arena for the Stanton Center. I have a lot of concerns about these proposals and hope to get some answers.

Also of note are that we have a number of pieces of legislation up for a public hearing, including on legislation that would enact the Council-Mayor compensation commission recommendations to increase the Council and Mayor’s pay during the next term. As well as one that deals with fines and requirements to clear snow from sidewalks.

In case you missed it last week, here are some of the amendments I'm planning on moving forward with to the proposed FY26 budget.

• Create a Legislative implementation auditor
• Regional electric transportation system feasibility study in partnership with the County, focusing on West st (building off of a 2009 Study for West St)
• Bembe Beach sidewalk extension
• Deployable safety bollards downtown to enable safe pedestrianization of Main st & West st. (This has been rolled into one of Alderman Arnett’s amendments)
• Bay Ridge Rd-Ave-Eastport circulator shuttle study
• Numerous txt amendments to our CIP road projects to ensure they take a Complete Streets approach.
• CIP Complete streets supplemental funding project.
• Downtown outreach for economic vitalization through pedestrianization
• Quick-build road safety improvements
• Tyler Ave speed camera
• Downtown-Eastport traffic circulation study
• Edgewood Rd traffic calming initiative
• Carrs beach annexation support (carry-over from last year)
• Bay Ridge Road diet (Carry-over from last year – though I’ve recently learned a new carry-over amendment may not be needed)
• City-County Forest Drive transit study
• I may propose changes to the proposed Stanton center LED basketball court and e-sports arena – These have a total cost around $3 million dollars, and I have concerns that there are other more urgent needs that need to be met at the Stanton Center. Once I have all the data I may end up re-allocating this money towards things like a repair of the Stanton center roof, extending hours, fixing their kitchen, or maintaining recreational fields.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

• R-2-25 – Demonstration Program to Build Green Roofs on City Bus Shelters – passed (I voted Aye)
• R-24-25 - Confirmation of Human Resources and Integrated Technology Solutions Directors – passed (I voted Aye)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob

First of all, I wanted to thank all of you that were able to join me at my re-election campaign kick-off. We probably had between 70 to 100 people join us throughout the evening. I am incredibly fortunate to have such kind-hearted and thoughtful supporters, and I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with you about the future of Ward 7. If you missed my remarks, you can view them on Facebook. And as always, I could use your financial support as we gear up re-election campaign.

And to my Eastport friends, I hear you loud and clear. And in light of my analysis and comments below on O-14-25, I will work to take a more transit-first approach to addressing parking and Traffic issues in the City, to at least get that planned out more properly before we start making too many drastic changes to density or parking. To that end, I will be requesting funding to look at extending the downtown circulator bus to Eastport, and potentially create an Eastport circulator that would connect Ward 7 to Eastport and downtown in a much more convenient and predictable manner.

As you may know, we are right in the middle of our budget season. Much to my colleagues chagrin, I will be putting forward dozens of budget amendments; some substantial some minor, but all working towards my vision for an Annapolis with sustainable mobility options. Here are some highlights:

• Create a Legislative implementation auditor
• Regional electric transportation system feasibility study in partnership with the County, focusing on West st (building off of a 2009 Study for West St)
• Bembe Beach sidewalk extension
• Deployable safety bollards downtown to enable safe pedestrianization of Main st & West st.
• Bay Ridge Rd-Ave-Eastport circulator shuttle study
• Numerous txt amendments to our CIP road projects to ensure they take a Complete Streets approach.
• CIP Complete streets supplemental funding project.
• Downtown outreach for economic vitalization through pedestrianization
• Bike parking infrastructure installation in City Garages
• Quick-build road safety improvements
• Old Fourth Ward and inner West Street Restorative Development
• Tyler Ave speed camera
• Council project manager
• Downtown-Eastport traffic circulation study
• Edgewood Rd traffic calming initiative
• Fare-free transit
• Mini-roundabout CIP addition
• Carrs beach annexation support (carry-over from last year)
• Bay Ridge Road diet (Carry-over from last year)
• Rec & Parks eco training
• City-County Forest Drive transit study
• And a few more that are still being finalized…

Also, note below a discussion about O-14-25, which seeks to increase density along Forest Dr. and other corridors for Planned Unit Developments. This is a Density-Driven Development approach, which I disagree with as it perpetuates traffic and parking impacts without a solution. I am much more of a supporter of Transit Oriented/Driven Development, which uses transit to fund and drive development, which also offsets and improves traffic and parking impacts at the same time (not to mention the environmental benefit to getting people out of cars). 

Lastly, here is a video put together by the Mayor called “8 Years 8 Wards”.

Legislative action summary from last meeting

R-2-25 – Demonstration Program to Build Green Roofs on City Bus Shelters – Postponed (I voted Aye)

R-15-25 - Friendship City Relationship with Frankston – Adopted (I voted Aye)

R-19-25 - Memorial Honoring the Life and Legacy of the Late U.S. Representative Parren J. Mitchell – Adopted (I voted Aye and amended it)

Stay healthy and stay safe,

Rob